Longevity of Dental Crowns

Hampton, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia

Porcelain dental crowns are synthetic caps or covers placed over a tooth to improve functionality and appearance. Molded to look like your existing teeth to ensure a natural fit, dental crowns are safe, effective, and strong.

Dental crowns are used in the following instances:

• To protect teeth weakened by decay
• To hold together a broken or cracked tooth
• To cover a tooth with severe decay
• To cover teeth that are aesthetically displeasing
• To cover a dental implant
• To hold a dental bridge in place

Why Porcelain?

Crowns have been created from a number of materials. Other options include:

• Alloy metals
• Resin
• Porcelain fused to metal

Porcelain crowns are able to be molded to look like your existing teeth. Because they can be color matched to adjacent teeth, porcelain crowns help to ensure a natural looking smile.

The type of crown that best suits your needs can be determined during your consultation. All crowns have advantages and disadvantages, and Dr. Folck will listen to your concerns, and help you determine what solution will provide you with optimal functionality and beauty.

Procedure

Dental crowns require more than one office visit. During your first visit, the tooth will be prepared for the crown; all existing decay will be removed, and a mold will be made from which your crown will be cast. During this initial process you will be fitted with a temporary crown. On your next visit, the porcelain crown – cast from the mold of your teeth – will be fitted into place, beauty and functionality restored.

Longevity

The average lifespan of a dental crown is ten years. It is, however, possible that a crown will last much longer, depending on how well it is taken care of. With routine checkups and a comprehensive oral hygiene regimen, your dental crown could last you for a life time. Porcelain is susceptible to fracture from tension, but it is incredibly effective for normal functions like eating. The care taken of your crown will ultimately determine its longevity.

If you live in Virginia Beach, Virginia, please contact Michael Folck, DDS for more information on dental crowns, and to schedule an initial consultation.